Piven Broadway exit headed to arbitration

NEW YORK, March 1 (UPI) -- The producers of Broadway's "Speed-the-Plow" say they will pursue independent arbitration against Jeremy Piven over the U.S. actor's exit from their play.

"Plow" producers said in a statement Friday in the wake of a grievance committee review of the Broadway dispute, they have decided to enact a contract clause and file for arbitration, Variety.com reported.

Thursday's review was required under the current labor agreement between the Broadway League trade association and the actors union Equity. The committee could not reach a unanimous decision on the matter.

Producers are upset with Piven, star of the TV series "Entourage," for suddenly leaving the Broadway production in December.

The actor claimed health issues were the cause for his impromptu departure, Variety said.

An unidentified representative for Piven said she was confident any arbitration proceedings enacted by "Plow" producers would not be successful.

Variety said once all required paperwork is filed, a hearing of the dispute should take place within 60 days.